"Stronger than ever..." - UAE not only dominate competition but cast warning over Tadej Pogacar's evolution

It comes to the surprise of no-one that UAE Team Emirates - XRG dominated the 2026 Strade Bianche, matching last year's first and third place with Tadej Pogacar and Isaac del Toro. However, it was a necessary performance for the World Champion who continues to prove he is evolving, despite his firm hold of the top of the sport.

"We knew he was strong and on form because we can see the training data and power. But then the race is the race, and even Tadej has still got to go and win, even if he makes it look easy sometimes," team manager Mauro Gianetti shared in words to Cyclingnews.

After Pogacar's performance in the sterrato sectors of Tuscany, Gianetti could only smile with the knowledge that 2026 might be a replica of previous years. Whilst the growth of Paul Seixas may threaten the reign of the World Champion in future years, the commanding gap at the finish line at Piazza del Campo proved to be argument Pogacar wanted to send to the competition in his first race day of the year.

Whilst in different race situations, the data shared by Velon also reveals Pogacar averaged 380 watts over his 80-kilometer solo attack; unlike the 340 he did in both 2024 and 2025. Not direct evidence of evolution, but the best possible sign.

UAE certainly have no doubt that there is no slowing down in the Slovenian's capacity to win the biggest races. "Tadej is stronger than ever, he's still improving. Every rider improves year on year, they have to, otherwise they eventually fall behind. Fortunately, Tadej keeps on surprising us".

According to a report from Het Laatste Nieuws, UAE is also putting in the effort to already, from early on, establish a bridgehead to potentially sign Paul Seixas in the coming seasons. This would ultimately keep UAE at the top in the post-Pogacar era, if the Frenchman really is to fulfill the potential that he is showing over the past year.

"Isaac was strong but people seem to forget that he is number two in the world, he's the next best after Tadej. We all expected Tadej to do what he has done so often and we know that Isaac is strong too but Paul Seixas was incredible, he's perhaps the surprise at this year's Strade Bianche. He's only 19 and we can imagine what he will do in the future…"

However UAE already have their hands full at the moment, and with little worries. Isaac del Toro featured on the podium of the Italian classic, and Gianetti wanted to bring forward the performance of the Mexican in what was a convincing ride.

Now Del Toro will race Tirreno-Adriatico, and at Milano-Sanremo he will have a crucial role in the aid of Pogacar; since the team will lack both Jhonatan Narváez and Tim Wellens due to injury. With the team aiming to fire the race up the Cipressa as last year, it will be a key day for the two to work together - something that wasn't necessary this Saturday.

"We've got two weeks to prepare for Milan-San Remo in the hope of seeing Tadej win yet again."